Yesterday, El informed me that the bonus question on their math test this week was to give the origin of the term "baker's dozen." She could write it down and take it with her to take the test. So last night we looked it up.
The term goes back to the 13th century, when King Henry III of England instituted the Assizes of Bread and Ale. It was to set up standards of measure for commerce. Apparently the consumers of the day were being shorted on their pints and loaves. After the Assizes, the penalty for shorting the customer could be severe-loss of limb!! Keeping your hand was apparently worth an extra bun in the bag.
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